Salsa Festival fever returns to Havana (+ Billboard)

Havana is getting ready to host one of the most significant cultural events of the year for Cuban popular dance music: the Salsa Festival, which will celebrate its ninth edition from February 19 to 23. As usual, this event, created and directed by musician Maykel Blanco, will transform Club 500 into the headquarters of Cuban dancers during that weekend.

The festival will bring together an exceptional lineup of national and international artists. The program includes legendary figures such as Adalberto Álvarez y su Son, and more contemporary voices that keep the tradition alive, such as Pedrito Martínez.

The festival has gained notoriety not only nationally, but also on the international circuit. Among others, artists such as Dj Andrea (Italy), Javier la Rosa (UK) and Alan García (Mexico), Ivan Dj Salsa and Dj Lao (Spain), along with Cuban Djs Javier Dj Miramar and Spanglish Dj will participate.

The program extends beyond the evening concerts. Attendees will be able to participate in dance workshops adapted to different levels, led by renowned dancers such as Maykel Fonts, Yanet Fuentes and Jennyselt Galata. The training sessions are complemented by a discussion on the historical evolution of Cuban dance music.

Among the most outstanding activities, OnCuba points out the celebration of Pool Parties at the Memories Miramar Hotel and the traditional Yemayá Ceremony, a ritual to be performed at sea as a tribute to Afro-Cuban roots. The festival will also serve as a showcase for international dance academies, which will display their respective styles and techniques.

The organizers have warned that the lineup is subject to change. In fact, in the most recent update of the line up announced on social networks on February 4, neither Alain Pérez nor El Noro, who appear on the billboard published on the official ticket sales site, are listed.

Foreign visitors can purchase tickets at an online platform with offers ranging from 42 euros (for a daily pass to the event) to 1,200 euros (for a tourist package that includes full access to the activities and a double room at the Memories Miramar Hotel, one of the event venues). Local attendees will be able to purchase tickets in local currency at the box offices of designated movie theaters (starting February 10) and at Club 500, and will have the possibility of buying daily tickets (worth 500 CUP) or a general package for all days (at a cheaper price).

The Salsa Festival 2025 is shaping up to be a celebration of Cuban music and culture, establishing itself as a space where dance music lovers can find an oasis of uninterrupted rhythm in the heart of Havana.

 Salsa Festival 2025 Schedule

📍 February 19

• 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Accreditation (Hotel Memories Miramar).
• 9:00 PM - 12:00 AM | Inaugural Gala with shows and concert by Adalberto Álvarez y su Son

📍 February 20

• 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Dance workshop (according to level: beginner, intermediate and advanced)
• 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Conversation on the evolution of Cuban music.
• 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM | Presentation of international dance academies.
• Concerts at the 500 Club:
  • Eduardo Sandoval
  • El Noro and 1st Class
  • Septeto Santiaguero
  • Elito Revé y su Charangón
  • After Party.

📍 February 21

• 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Dance workshop.
• 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Pool Party at Hotel Memories with DJ's and live orchestra (JG and his band).
• 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM | Concerts at Club 500:
  • Papucho and Manana Club.
  • Special guest: Pedrito Martínez
  • Issac Delgado
  • Alexander Abreu and Havana D'Primera
  • After Party

📍 February 22

• 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Pool Party at Hotel Memories with DJ's and Cuban dance school students.
• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Wemilere, Ceremony to Yemayá (Hotel Memories Miramar beach promenade/ Beach 1st and 70th).
• 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM | Presentation of international dance academies.
• Concerts at Club 500:
  • Manolito Simonet and his Trabuco
  • Paulito FG and his Elite
  • Alain Perez
  • Special Guest: Brunella Torpoco (Peru)
  • Maykel Blanco y su Salsa Mayor
  • After Party.

📍 February 23 (Grand Closing)

• 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM | Presentation of international dance academies.
• Concerts at Club 500:
  • Monika Mesa
  • Haila Mompié
  • Manolín "El Médico de la Salsa" (Manolin "The Salsa Doctor")
  • Los Van Van
  • After Party.